Melbourne is about 160 years old and was settled by Tasmanians looking for space to graze sheep. The city did not grow much until about 1850, when gold was discovered 90km West of the settlement, causing a gold rush. Within 50 years Melbourne had become the largest city in the country.

Today Melbourne is Australia's second largest city in population with just under 4 million people. It is the capital of the state of Victoria.

Melbourne hosts many international and national events including the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Ford Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup, Moomba, the Motor Cycle Grand Prix, the International Airshow (along with London & Paris) and the Ausralian Football League Grand Final.

When in Melbourne visit:

• Southgate (eating, shopping, views of the city)
• Crown Casino
• Melbourne Cricket Ground
• Bourke Street Mall (shopping, department stores)
• Melbourne Central (shopping, eating, shot tower, giant cone, department store)
• Australia On Collins (shopping, eating)
• Shrine Of Remembrance (war memorial)
• Fitzroy Gardens (Captain Cook's Cottage, Fairy Tree, Tudor Village)
• Royal Botanic Gardens (Government House)
• Kings Domain Gardens
• Carlton Gardens (Royal Exhibition Buildings)
• Exhibition Center
• Rialto Towers (Offers a 60 floor view of the city)
• Arts Center
• National Gallery
• Royal Melbourne Zoo (classed as one of the best zoo's in the world)
• St. Patricks Cathedral
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• The Polly Woodside (old sail ship)
• Lygon Street (restaurants)
• Albert Park (Grand Prix Track, lake, Aquatic Center)